Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has described Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as “a lucky soul” who “died in jihad.”
Gumi said that Khamenei died “in jihad against killers of innocent children and women in Gaza and elsewhere” in a message that was posted on his Facebook page on Sunday.
He went on to say that Khamenei’s blood “will fuel the change in the ummah,” pointing out that the Iranian leader did not hide in bunkers and instead stood firmly for justice.
Gumi wrote, “Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: A lucky soul, he died in jihad against killers of innocent children and women in Gaza and elsewhere.
“His blood will fuel the change in the ummah. He stood firmly for justice and didn’t hide in bunkers. For those who killed him or assisted in killing him, let us see what they will live to do in this world.”
Khamenei, who served as Iran’s Supreme Leader for decades, was a central figure in the country’s political and religious leadership.
According to reports, he died following an Israeli strike in Tehran on Saturday.
Without mentioning claims of a huge US and Israeli attack on his home, Iran State Television confirmed his death.
At 5:00 am (01:30 GMT), a broadcaster announced Khamenei’s passing while the channel aired old photos with a black banner in remembrance.
In another state television broadcast, seven major holidays and a 40-day period of mourning were declared in his honor.
“With the martyrdom of the supreme leader, his path and mission neither will be lost nor will be forgotten; on the other hand, they will be pursued with greater vigor and zeal,” a presenter said.
Since 1989, the 86-year-old Khamenei has served as Iran’s supreme leader.
Although there was no independent confirmation from Tehran at the time of the declaration, US President Donald Trump claimed on Saturday that Khamenei had been killed in airstrikes.
